On April 3, South Korean cosmetics ODM giant Cosmax announced that it has received “Multinational Company Regional Headquarters” certification from Shanghai, elevating its strategic role in the Chinese market. The designation, granted under a system designed to attract global investment, recognizes companies that meet strict criteria, including parent company assets and local registered capital.

With this approval, Cosmax’s China unit will evolve from a pure manufacturing base into a regional strategic headquarters, overseeing business decisions, fund management and supply chain coordination nationwide.

Since entering the market in 2004, Cosmax has been a key driver of “Beauty Valley,” China’s largest beauty industry cluster, with an annual production capacity of 1.5 billion units and a leading number of registered cosmetics products in the country, according to NMPA data.

The company plans to open a new Shanghai headquarters building in the second half of this year. The certification brings policy benefits such as streamlined visa processes, Shanghai household registration support to help attract R&D talent, as well as rent subsidies, customs clearance facilitation, and foreign exchange support.

A Cosmax official said the recognition reflects China’s acknowledgment of the company’s long-term technological capabilities and investment commitment, adding that it will respond swiftly to the fast-changing Chinese cosmetics market to boost the global competitiveness of K-beauty.

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